For those interested, the above blog is written by an American living in Taiwan that gives a relatively accurate account of Taiwanese (as opposed to the Chinese KMT) sentiment over various political issues.

The CCP’s biggest fear over Taiwan is likely the loss of control over the provinces it actually does control.

]]>By: walterhttp://www.thelibertypapers.org/2007/03/25/diplomacy-lobbyists-and-the-strait-of-formosa/#comment-21968
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 01:13:06 +0000http://www.thelibertypapers.org/2007/03/25/diplomacy-lobbyists-and-the-strait-of-formosa/#comment-21968No doubt war would happen, and I agree with most of your statements in this article however, I think you should note Taiwan’s view as well. You did well in stating that your heart was basically “for Taiwan”. The way China has built up its military lately obviously indicates that is the direction we are heading. Plus not to mention the satellite testing, that was something serious. On top of that a Chinese sub stalked a US aircraft carrier.

Taiwan hasn’t declared independence. Taiwan’s president in particular, has merely stated a fact: Taiwan is not a part of China, and unification is not the only choice for Taiwan. President Chen of Taiwan has repeatedly stressed that there is a growing Taiwanese identity and that it can not be held down for long regardless of U.S. or China’s pressure. In the long run, Taiwan’s democracy will be its greatest weapon against potential Chinese aggression or to put it more accurately, the CCP’s aggression towards Taiwan.

Also war isn’t of benefit to anyone, but then again China doesn’t seem to get the message that it doesn’t rule Taiwan and Taiwan isn’t a part of China. The CCP cares more about Taiwan than its own Chinese citizens, Tibeteans, and other peoples within China. I have a feeling that the chances for war are pretty high at this point regardless of assurances that it’s not. To underestimate China’s insane obessesion with Taiwan would be a mistake on the part of the U.S. The U.S. must be prepared to defend Taiwan and judging from various U.S. military officals: Timothy Keatings and General Pace, that is what the U.S. military is doing now.